Wedding Photographer Dermot Culhanes’ Top Tips!

Dermot Culhane Photography

Multi Award Winning Wedding Photographer Dermot Culhane offers 8 tips for a picture-perfect wedding day

1. When Should I Book my Photographer? 

Dermot says. “As soon as you have your venue secured I would recommend you start your search for your photographer. Ask recently married couples for recommendations browse Instagram/Facebook and always go with the pro who inspires you! You may like to have a lot of posed images, alternatively, you might prefer to have your day documented having your photographer capture all those beautiful candid moments. So it is important to pick the photographer whose style suits your taste.”

2. Should I Give my Photographer a Shot List?

Dermot says; “By all means give your bridesmaid/groomsman a list of various groups they should round up on the day for those formal family group shots. But when it comes to posed photographs, etcetera, I would definitely not suggest giving a list to your photographer. Pick the right photographer and trust him/her. They will capture all the natural spontaneous moments that make your day different from the rest. That way your images will be unique and not replicas from someone else’s wedding day. Let your photographer capture your story.”

3. Meet Your (Potential) Photographer

Dermot says, “Don’t just book a photographer online. Narrow your photographers down to maybe three or four – then call and arrange to meet them. You’re not exactly meeting them to see their work, because you’ve seen that online. You’re meeting them to see who they are and what they’re like. It’s important to build a rapport with them. If you feel comfortable around the photographer when you meet them first, you’re definitely going to feel comfortable on the day.”

4. Where Should the Bulk of the Budget Go?

“I’m always going to say invest wisely when it comes to your wedding photographer. So much of your wedding day is fleeting, the cake will get eaten, the flowers will be donated and the band will have stopped playing eventually – but your wedding photos will be yours to keep forever. You owe it to yourself and future generations to have beautiful authentic images from your wedding day.”

5. How Much Coverage? And of What Kind?

“Something to think about is the fact that some photographers will offer coverage up until guests are seated for the meal. They arrive in the morning and they photograph up until five or six o’clock. When the bell rings, they’re gone. If you don’t have a videographer there’s still a lot left in the day.”

Dermot also explained that if a photographer takes the bride and groom away for two hours (or even more) they “are often missing one of the best parts of the day.” He admits much of a photographers best work (in his own experience) is brought about when a bride and groom are relaxed and having fun with family and friends.

“Speeches are an amazing part, for a photographer especially. It’s not just about who has the microphone – to me it’s about the reaction of your guests too. I’m focusing on the mic but I’m also looking at the reaction and expression of friends.”

6. Know the Difference Between Quality and Quantity

“Don’t fall for the photographer that’s going to give you everything. The disk of images, the parent album, the engagement shoot, and while doing it all for a low price. There’s going to be a cost. The real cost is you’re losing out on so many moments that haven’t been captured. Always emphasise going for quality first. ”

7. Have Your Favourite Photographs Put to Print

“Everything is digital now. I won’t say I’m old fashioned at heart, but I think when the dust has settled and you’ve paid for your photographer, it can be a little bit of an anti-climax receiving all your images in digital form. It’s really, really special to have an album, and to show family, friends and the generations these images as well.”

8. When Should We Do Our Family Group Shots?

“I always recommend doing the family groups after the ceremony once the church is empty (parents, siblings, grandparents, bridal party), that way once your guests go back to the hotel they can relax and enjoy the drinks reception. Chances are if you wait until you go back to the hotel to do the group shots you will spend your drinks reception looking for various family members, some might be checking in, some might stop off en route to the hotel for a drink, etc…”

Click here to visit Dermot Culhane here on Wedding Professionals where you can contact him directly.